Sarah Marshall

Trading Standards and South Yorkshire Police have seized around 6,000 packets of illicit cigarettes and 0.5kg of fake rolling tobacco from a shop in Doncaster this morning.

The illegal smoking materials were seized from a business in Balby, as part of a joint investigation by the two agencies.

A council spokesman said they could not reveal the name of the premises, due to the seizure forming part of an ongoing investigation.

Cabinet member for Communities and the Environment, Cllr Chris McGuinness, said: “Anyone involved in selling illegal tobacco is encouraging people, including children, to smoke by providing a cheap source. These products are dangerous, and offenders need to understand that they will face consequences if they choose to sell them.

“I would urge anyone with information about the supply of illicit tobacco to contact us via the citizens advice consumer helpline on 03454 040506.”

Director of Public Health, Dr. Rupert Suckling, said: “All tobacco is harmful, but the supply of illegal cigarettes seriously undermines the drive to reduce smoking, fuels organised criminality and is often a gateway for young people to becoming addicted to a habit which prematurely kills over half its users.”